Move over Easton. Here comes Saint Michaels. Talbot Mentors is opening their second office in this tourist destination. Mentors and mentees alike are invited to come see what “a little hard work” can do. Along with a new office; Talbot Mentors welcomes a new staff member as well. Monica Curreri, a Pfeiffer University Alumni and mentor to Ma’leah Robinson, will be serving as case manager for the non-profit. During college, Monica studied sociology and psychology. Now, she uses both to usher in a diverse and creative atmosphere to the new center. Monica became a mentor after discussing the organization with a friend. When she was younger, her grandmother surrounded her with unconditional love and support. “She was one person that I could talk to and ask questions. I could learn from her. She made me feel special,” she says, “I wanted to bring that feeling to another child.” In January, Monica joined Talbot Mentors and since then, has been a positive role model to the children.
She is dedicated to the development of the Saint Michaels’ office. “It’s cool! It has grown from an empty space into a place for fun!” With her history in the food industry, Monica hopes to bring back home cooked meals. Thus, teaching the mentees valuable life skills, while also pursuing a passion.
Not only is Monica going to teach the children how to thrive in the kitchen, she also wants to begin a program for high school students. “It’s still a work in progress but I see great potential in the new area,” Monica informs, “We’re ironing out the wrinkles!” Friends First, a program where seniors and juniors are matched with sixth-graders to help them navigate every-day challenges of middle school, is one of Monica’s many projects. The high school student would benefit from Friends First by receiving community service hours and a broader college transcript, while the sixth graders will gain lasting relationships and useful advice.
“I hope to see us grow from 14 mentoring relationships to 100 in the Bay Hundred area,” she says. When asked what she loved about being a mentor, Monica replied, “It’s the feeling that you get when you notice the connection building with your mentee. I love it!” This is a promising move for Talbot Mentors. Welcome aboard, Monica. The office in Saint Michaels officially opened on May 22nd with over 25 local community members attending.
The St Michaels Office will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays till 5:30pm, and is in the back of the St Michaels Housing Authority in Dodson Avenue.
There are many more children in the Bay Hundred Area that need mentors. We are in immediate need of five new men to mentor boys in the St Michaels and Tilghman Island area. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, or know of somebody who would make a great mentor contact Natalie Costanzo today on [email protected] or 410 770 5999.
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